Kallis doubtful for 3rd Test

South African all rounder Jacques Kallis might not feature in the 3rd Test against Australia, after aggravating a hamstring injury that he picked up during the game. Kallis scored a half century while batting with the injury, in order to help his side avoid a follow on.

The 37 year old picked up the injury while bowling on the first day of the 2nd Test and left the ground for a scan immediately after the incident. He batted down the order at No. 9 on day three and contributed 58 in a 93-run eighth-wicket stand with Faf du Plessis to help South Africa to 388 in reply to Australia's 550.

Team manager, Dr. Mohammed Moosajee, said Kallis would probably bat in the second innings here, but South Africa was considering bringing in a replacement for the third test because of the short gap between the two matches.

"His initial hamstring strain had responded very well, so much so that he was almost symptom free," team manager Mohammed Moosajee told reporters after the third day's play.

"We knew he would always be able to bat. The challenge was what's going to happen when he runs.

"So it's safe to say he's probably aggravated his injury by running and batting. He's still probably going to have to bat in the second innings."

Moosajee said if Kallis bats as expected in the Proteas second innings he would unlikely be fit for next week's third and final Test of the series in Perth.

"He will bat in the second innings but it's unlikely he'll respond in time to be fit to take his place in the Perth Test match because of the quick three-day turnaround," he said.

Moosajee said Cricket South Africa's selectors were looking into the possibility of sending a player over to Australia as cover for Kallis in that eventuality, but no decision had yet been made.

Moosajee said paceman Vernon Philander was responding well after a lower back complaint prevented him from playing in the Adelaide Test.

"Vernon's responding well, he should be available for selection come Perth," he said.